College of Education

Conceptual Framework 2006

Introduction

Towson University, identified in 2003 by State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick as “ Maryland’s preeminent teacher education institution” (Grasmick, 2003), offers a comprehensive slate of high quality professional education programs for the initial and advanced preparation of teachers and education specialists. Towson faculty, a diverse community of learners/teachers/ scholars with a wide range of strengths and specialties, are committed to a common goal: to prepare and support the continuing development of professional educators at all levels for the challenges of contemporary education.

At Towson University, the preparation of teachers and education specialists is an all-university responsibility. University-wide coordination of policies and procedures associated with professional education programs is vested in the Teacher Education Executive Board (TEEB). Chaired by the Dean of the College of Education, the TEEB includes representatives from all undergraduate and graduate education programs at the University (the roles and procedures of the TEEB are outlined in Unit Standard 6, Unit Leadership and Authority). A long-established Standing Committee of the University Senate, its decisions are recognized as official policy for all professional education programs at Towson. This governance structure has provided a supportive and inclusive system within which the
unit has been able to fulfill its approved mission. Thus, at Towson University, the Professional Education Unit is the Teacher Education Executive Board (TEEB). As chair of TEEB, the Dean of the College of Education is the
unit head.

Towson University graduates the largest number of teachers and education specialists in Maryland and has exercised numerous leadership roles in the evolving Maryland P-16 reform initiative. To this end, Towson University has developed a common Conceptual Framework for all professional education programs.